Furniture makers may create custom furniture, recreate historical pieces or repair damaged items. Training for this career can be found at the design and woodworking departments of technical colleges, arts colleges and community colleges.
Schools with Furniture Making Programs
These schools offer undergraduate furniture making programs, which include hands-on training.
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Tuition and Fees 2018-2019* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake Community College | Salt Lake City, UT | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $3,843 in-state, $12,206 out-of-state |
| Red Rocks Community College | Lakewood, CO | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | $4,158 in-state, $15,246 out-of-state |
| Bucks County Community College | Newtown, PA | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $4,513 in-district, $8,353 in-state, $12,193 out-of-state |
| Cerritos College | Norwalk, CA | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | $1,346 in-state, $8,710 out-of-state |
| Palomar College | San Marcos, CA | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | $1,338 in-state, $8,702 out-of-state |
| Eastern Maine Community College | Bangor, ME | 2-year, Public | Associate's | $3,779 in-state, $6,599 out-of-state |
| De Anza College | Cupertino, CA | 2-year, Public | Associate's | $1,561 in-state, $7,501 out-of-state |
| California College of the Arts | San Francisco, CA | 2-year, Public | Bachelor's | $49,138 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
School Selection Criteria
Students should keep these considerations in mind when choosing a school:
- Furniture makers must know tool operation, design methods and ornamentation techniques, which can be learned through certificate or associate's degree programs in furniture making.
- Students can look for schools that focus on specific job skills, small business models and internships.
- Some schools are specialized in a certain type or style of furniture.
Certificate Programs
Certificate programs may last up to a full year. They can be specialized in a particular type of furniture, such as cabinets, or a specific style, such as Spanish colonial. Many certificate programs offer generalized furniture making techniques and may culminate with the creation of a piece of furniture. Depending on previous experience and education, students may be qualified to enter into advanced certificate programs.
Associate's Degree Programs
Students enrolled in associate's degree programs typically create multiple products throughout the two years, which can add to students' portfolios. Since programs may have limited enrollment, previous woodworking experience may factor into the application process.
Furniture making programs are commonly available at the certificate and associate's degree levels. Prospective students should consider a school's specializations and the availability of internships.
